As a coalition of organizations working to expand educational opportunity for America’s students, we believe every child has the potential to learn and thrive in the right educational setting.  We believe all families should be afforded the freedom to choose that setting. That is why enacting Education Freedom Scholarships would be a major victory for American families.

This bold and innovative proposal from Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, with legislation introduced in Congress by Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Bradley Byrne, is a major new investment in America’s students. The proposal would allow businesses and individuals to contribute to state-identified non-profit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) who would distribute scholarships for students to use on elementary and secondary education, or career and technical education. Taxpayers would receive a non-refundable, dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.

The legislation protects federalism by allowing each state to choose whether or not to participate, to determine how the funds would be used, and it protects the autonomy of education providers.

Most importantly, Education Freedom Scholarships will directly empower America’s families.  In states with existing SGOs, they are automatically enrolled to participate. For families who may be living in a state without any existing educational options or with too few options to meet their children’s needs, Education Freedom Scholarships will expand educational opportunity.

In short, this is good policy for states, taxpayers, and, most importantly, children and families. We urge you to support this legislation and its potential to change millions of lives.

Sincerely,